Jimmy Kimmel's Reaction To ABC Cancellation Revealed By His Idol

Jimmy Kimmel appears to be handling his show's cancellation with his trademark humor. His idol, David Letterman, shared that the late-night host is doing fine and keeping his spirits up.

This lighthearted update comes as political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, condemned the suspension of the show as an "outright abuse of power."

ABC announced that the show would be taken off the air "indefinitely" after Jimmy Kimmel sparked backlash with comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Letterman is standing firmly behind Kimmel after ABC pulled the plug on the popular program. The former "Late Night" host revealed he had exchanged texts with Kimmel following the announcement, noting with a joke, "He's sitting up in bed taking nourishment. He's going to be fine."

Speaking at The Atlantic Festival in New York City, Letterman described the cancellation as a "misery" and warned it reflected the actions of an "authoritarian" system. He argued that removing someone to appease political forces was a dangerous precedent.

The Daily Mail noted that Letterman pointed out his own late-night run spanned six U.S. presidents, all of whom he criticized freely without fear of being pushed off the air.

Letterman is not alone in his defense. Stars including John Legend, Ben Stiller, Alison Brie, and journalist Keith Olbermann have also spoken out in Kimmel's support.

Kimmel and Letterman may share a close bond today, but their relationship had a rocky beginning. Business Insider noted that the 57-year-old has openly admired Letterman since childhood, calling him a major influence during his years growing up in Las Vegas.

By the time Kimmel was preparing to launch his program in 2002, he was eager to have his idol join him as the first guest.

But instead of a yes, Kimmel received a polite letter from Letterman declining the invitation, explaining he would be out of the country. The note, dated September 23, 2002, showed just how much Kimmel valued the interaction, even if it was a rejection.

Rather than being discouraged, Kimmel continued reaching out, and over time, the two hosts grew close. By 2012, Letterman finally sat across from Kimmel's desk as a guest.

While discussing the killing of Kirk, Kimmel accused Trump supporters of trying to twist the narrative for political gain. He went further, mocking Donald Trump's public reaction to the tragedy, comparing it to how "a four-year-old mourns a goldfish."

ABC responded by pulling the plug on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" In a brief statement, the network confirmed the show will be "preempted indefinitely."

Not long after the announcement, Trump celebrated the decision on social media. He called the show "ratings challenged" and praised ABC for "finally having the courage to do what had to be done."

Kimmel and his assistant were seen leaving the studio looking downcast following ABC's decision to pull the plug on the late-night show.

The Blast reported that Kimmel, dressed in a casual flannel shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap, carried a bag as an assistant helped him into a waiting car outside the Los Angeles studio.

Rodriguez, who has been by Kimmel's side for years, lingered briefly in the alley before driving away with his windows rolled up, avoiding questions from reporters.

Despite the glum appearance, Kimmel is not staying quiet. He is said to be furious with ABC's move and is weighing cutting ties with the network altogether. There is even talk that he may team up with fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert to push back.

Harris joined the chorus of voices condemning ABC's suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," calling the move a blatant misuse of authority.

The Blast reported that in a statement on X, the former Vice President described the administration's actions as "an outright abuse of power," accusing it of weaponizing fear to silence critics.

Harris urged Americans not to stay quiet, labeling the cancellation an "assault" on free expression and reminding citizens that "We, the People, deserve better."

Former President Barack Obama echoed her sentiments, saying he was stunned by how far the administration has gone in punishing those it dislikes. He argued that pressuring media companies into removing voices has reached "a new and dangerous level" and warned outlets not to give in.

Jimmy Kimmel may be off the air for now, but with David Letterman and other heavyweights rallying behind him, the fight over his suspension is only just beginning.